Mumbai, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India football captain Sunil Chhetri says his participation in FIFA’s Impact Accelerator Workshop, where he was the only male player among an otherwise female cohort, has given him fresh insights into how footballers can use their influence to bring about positive social change.
The 42-year-old striker joined 10 female players in a three-day workshop in Boston, Massachusetts, in June as part of the second cohort of FIFA’s Player Impact Programme. The initiative aims to help footballers translate their influence, resources and public platforms into meaningful projects for their communities.
Chhetri is now expected to develop a project focused on social change in India and present it alongside fellow participants at the next stage of the programme in London in December.
“I’m really happy that I got this opportunity,” Chhetri said, according to a report published on FIFA’s official website. He added that he was eager to put the lessons into practice, stressing that the workshop brought together outstanding personalities and top-class players from different countries, irrespective of gender.
The Boston workshop featured prominent international footballers, including Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas, Canada’s Jessie Fleming, France’s Kenza Dali, Brazil’s Gabi Nunes, Japan’s Hina Sugita, England’s Michelle Agyemang and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade.
Players shared their personal journeys and social impact ambitions through group discussions, practical exercises and expert-led sessions. The programme provides guidance, skills and resources over nine months to help participants turn their ideas into practical initiatives.
Building on the success of its female-only pilot in 2025, the programme has expanded its reach with the inclusion of Chhetri in the latest cohort.
Participants will meet in London in December, alongside virtual sessions, to present their proposed projects and exchange ideas before taking their initiatives forward.
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